Canberra keen to extend and upgrade John Bateman, Elliott Whitehead and Ryan Sutton
News that Canberra want to secure three stars to long-term deals comes as Ricky Stuart’s side prepares for its biggest game of the season, against the Sydney Roosters.
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High-flying Canberra are ready to start top-level contract negotiations that would secure the club’s star English contingent to long-term deals worth a combined $3.5 million.
Wigan-based agent Andy Clarke, who manages John Bateman, Elliott Whitehead and Ryan Sutton, will arrive in Australia early next month to kickstart contract extensions and upgrades for his English clients.
Uncertain future: Raider refuses to be pushed out of Canberra
Bateman, 25, is off contract after 2021, Sutton, 24, has a deal until the end of next season, while the contract for Whitehead, 29, concludes after 2020 but he has a one-year option.
The Raiders want to lock all three down to deals that will range from one season to three.
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Canberra’s English hooker Josh Hodgson is already signed until the end of 2022, while Wigan and English Test halfback George Williams will arrive next season on a three-year deal.
News that Canberra want to secure the Poms long-term comes as the Raiders prepare for their biggest game of the season, against the Sydney Roosters at Canberra Stadium on Sunday.
Raiders officials are anticipating a crowd of around 20,000 for the big game.
“We will speak to Andy Clarke when he comes out in a month or so,” Canberra chief executive Don Furner said. “Our aim would be to keep them here long term.
“They have all settled in well here. They have certainly proven themselves.
“We are in a good place at the moment because most of our guys are signed up.
“We have had a good season but there will be challenges in terms of keeping the roster together.”
Furner and Clarke will discuss the exact contract details next month, when the age of each player will be heavily considered.
The English players might seek an option for the final year of their contracts to leave the door open for a return to Super League.
Canberra have always been reluctant to offer players four-to five-years deals.
While most clubs search for talent throughout the Pacific, Canberra opted for England and the results have been stunning.
Rival coaches are privately praising Furner and Raiders coach Ricky Stuart for what one called “thinking outside the square” and heading to Super League.
Bateman, in particular, has been sensational for Canberra this season.
The future of Canberra halfback Aidan Sezer remains clouded now that Williams has signed with the club for next season.
Originally published as Canberra keen to extend and upgrade John Bateman, Elliott Whitehead and Ryan Sutton
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